Alaska
fishing: Northern Kenai Peninsula & Cook Inlet Area

Listen to a RealAudio interview
(5:33) with an Alaska Department of Fish and Game sport fish biologist for additional
information about fishing Alaska's northern Kenai Peninsula.

Species

There is only one word to describe the angling opportunities on the Kenai Peninsula, is “incomparable”. This area ranks high on the list of favorites in the state. It is home to the both the world’s largest run of Sockeye salmon, which is accessible by vehicle, and the Peninsula is also home of the largest King salmon ever caught. This peninsula is easily reached, heavily fished, and contains everything from world-class lodges to do-it-yourself camp sites. From fish to clams, and combat fishing to serenity, you get it all on the Kenai.

While fishing on the Kenai Peninsula (sometimes misspelled Keni or even
Keani), saltwater anglers can expect King, Sockeye, Coho, and Pink salmon. The adjacent waters of Cook Inlet are renowned for giant Pacific halibut. Rockfish, Dolly Varden Char, and steelhead trout are also available. Where the saltwater reaches the land, a unique opportunity presents itself.

Visitors to the Kenai Peninsula can comb selected beaches during low tides to harvest razor clams. These extremely tasty delicacies are unique to this area and are cherished Pacific seafood. Diggers can go it alone or with an area outfitter who will assist in the harvest.

In nearby and interior freshwater areas, anglers have even more choices. Opportunities range from whitefish, grayling, northern pike, lake trout, rainbow trout, steelhead trout, Dolly Varden Char, Arctic Char, and every salmon species that swims. By far, the ruler of them all is King salmon. Anglers flock to the Kenai River in their attempts to break the record of the largest King of the past.

Area Sponsor

The Kenai River is well known for consistent catches of salmon and trout (like the really nice rainbow at right).
Terry Sappah & Son Guide Service provides drift and power boat fishing most often in the middle reaches of the river in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge away from the also well known crowds. They also fish the Kasilof River and Cook Inlet. The Sappah's are lifelong Alaskans and believe in delivering productive Alaska fishing experience for the accomplished angler as well as the child or rookie. [ADV]

Geography

The northern Kenai Peninsula is bordered by Cook Inlet on its western
side and
Prince William Sound on its eastern side. This proximity is
dominated by the Kenai Mountains that offer numerous glaciers and ice
fields within view. As the roadway winds, this stunning region splits in
two directions. Anglers who elect to travel and fish the western side
take the Sterling Highway. Those who travel east continue on the Seward
Highway to the community of
Seward.
By far, the majority of all fishing activity is to the west. The Kenai
River dominates this area and eventually empties into Cook Inlet at the
town of Kenai.

Gary Kernan provides fishing
enthusiasts, as well as first timers, a great advantage on the
Kenai River, bringing 21 years of experience fishing the Kenai
Peninsula waters. When you’re on board with
Alaska Fish On Charters,
you’ll be using nothing but the best fishing gear and fishing
the hottest spots. We offer specials on Lodging and fishing
packages.

Communities along the way offer numerous activities as well as spectacular surroundings. Communities like Hope, Cooper Landing, Sterling, and Soldotna are all locations that provide services that range from luxury lodges and fly-ins, to campgrounds and bank fishing. Rafting, sightseeing, kayaking, and guided drift-fishing are several of the more common activities in the area. Roadways will lead visitors through settings that range from wild canyons and remote forests, to urban municipalities and shopping centers.

Dall sheep roam the mountain tops, moose cut across the roads, bears fish the rivers, lynx bounce out between bumpers, and there is always a constant hum of commotion. The entire area is fully accessible by highway, spectacular in view, and legendary in fishing quality. There is little wonder that this area is the most crowded Alaskan fishery in the entire state. Drive it with care and reserve ahead.

Best saltwater times in the Northern Kenai Peninsula & Cook Inlet area
(ADF&G data)

Species

Availability

Peak

King
salmon

January
through December

May
through August

Sockeye
salmon

May
through July

June
and July

Coho
salmon

June
through October

July
and August

Pink
salmon

July
through September

July
and August

Dolly
Varden Char

May
through September

July
and August

steelhead
trout

August
through October

August
through October

halibut

February
through October

May
through October

rockfish

year
round

May
through August

Best freshwater times in the Northern Kenai Peninsula & Cook Inlet area
(ADF&G data)

Species

Availability

Peak

King
salmon

May
through July

June
and July

Sockeye
salmon

May
through July

June
and July

Coho
salmon

July
through December

August
through October

Pink
salmon

July
through September

August

Dolly
Varden Char

year
round

July
through September

Arctic
Char

year
round

July
through September

steelhead
trout

year
round

April
through October

rainbow
trout

year
round

April
through October

lake
trout

year
round

May
through January

northern
pike

year
round

January,
May through June, September through October

grayling

year
round

April
through May, August through October

whitefish

year
round

year
round

Transportation

Kenai/Soldotna is served by regular commuter flights from Anchorage, although most people choose to drive. It is connected to Anchorage by road. The cutoff to the Sterling Highway is about 90 miles from Anchorage. A network of roads in this part of the Peninsula makes access to fishing locations possible. However, roads are few on the
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and the refuge covers a substantial portion of the western peninsula.

Weather

Kenai Peninsula weather is milder than much of the rest of the state because of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Summers are cooler and winters warmer than in the Interior. Rainfall is higher here than the dry Interior, but not as high as Southeast Alaska.

Destination Information Resources

The Chamber of Commerce for both Kenai and
Soldotna have very informative websites that are well worth checking out. For additional information about where to go, where to stay, and what to do in the Kenai Peninsula area, check out
KenaiPeninsula.org. Last but not least, be sure to check out the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s website for fishing regulations and information.